Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the sweetest music in the world, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to the bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through the ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god, and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may be well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest, and I will leave you knowing that with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

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-- This is dedicated to our grandparents, Steve, April 1989, Gary, May 2002, Barney, December 31, 2002 and many others we were blessed enough to have had in our lives. Walk on in peace!

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Do not undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Do not set your goals by what other people deem important.Only you know what is best for you.

Do not take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

Do not let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past nor for the future.By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

Do not give up when you still have something to give.Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

It is a fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Do not be afraid to encounter risks.It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Do not shut love out of your life by saying it is impossible to find.

The quickest way to receive love is to give love;The fastest way to lose love is too hold it too tightly;In addition, the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Do not dismiss your dreams.To be without dreams is to be without hope;To be without hope is to be without purpose.

Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going.Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.